In the past, tin was an incredibly expensive material. It was viewed as a sign of wealth for anyone who was able to incorporate it into their home designs — think about the revered tin ceilings found in restored buildings. These days, faux tin sheets are easy to obtain and offer the same look at a fraction of the price. This is also a great choice to replace tile as the texture of the tin finish will make any grout lines disappear.

From pounded copper to bamboo to chalkboard, there’s really no limit to what materials can be used.

When it comes to modern spaces, open any home design magazine and you’ll see many of the same materials: cool metals, smooth stone, and reflective glass. This makes the shine of a mirrored backsplash an easy choice for those looking to achieve a sleek design.